Osteopathic device



Jan. 7, 1969 J. w. MlLLER 3,420,229

OS'IEOPATHIC DEVICE Filed Oct. 6, 1966 i g 56 so iam f l JOHN w MILLER L 1 58M; 6 MW 5 3 ATTORNEY United States Patent Office 3,420,229 Patented Jan. 7, 1969 3,420,229 OSTEOPATHIC DEVICE John W. Miller, 7406 Holly Hill, Dallas, Tex. 75231 Filed Oct. 6, 1966, Ser. No. 584,796 US. Cl. 128-71 Int. Cl. A61h 1/02 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates generally to kinesitherapy devices, and more particularly relates to an osteopathic device for tensing the vertebral column of a patient and then twisting the vertebral column first in one direction and then the other.

The vertebral column is the pillar that supports the trunk of the patient. It consists of a series of bones called vertebrae which form a case for the spinal cord and the roots of nerves that leave the spinal cord for distribution throughout the body. Nerve trunks leave the spinal cord in pairs, one on each side of the cord, at spaced points along the whole length of the cord. Each nerve trunk escapes the vertebral column through foramina between adjacent vertebrae along the length of the column. A nerve trunk may be pinched or pressed if one of these adjacent vertebrae dislocates, rotates o1- tilts, or if the foramen through which the nerve excapes the vertebral column is constricted by a muscle which spasms or is strained. When a nerve is pinched or pressed, its normal function is impaired and the health or well-being of the patient is adversely affected.

An object of this invention is to provide a device for furnishing improved treatment to patients suffering impairment of normal body function due to pinched or pressed nerves. As a result of this invention, a tensing and twisting action may be applied to the vertebral column to relieve constrictions of vertebral foramina by exercising and relaxing spasmed or dislocated muscles, and by allowing abnormally positioned vertebrae to properly relocate themselves.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanical device for twisting the upper (cervicothoracic) and lower (lumbosacral) regions of the vertebral columns in opposite directions while the vertebrae of the column are under tension.

Another object of this invention is to provide a me chanical device for twisting the upper (cervicothoracic) and lower (lumbosacral) regions of the vertebral column in opposite directions.

Another object is to provide a device wherein the magnitude of traction and/or twist may be varied.

Another object of this invention is to provide a vertebral column twisting device to be used in combination with auxiliary treatment devices.

These and other objects are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by a support means for supporting a patient in a reclining position and twisting the vertebral column of the patient first in one direction and then the other, and tensioning means connected to the support means for applying tension to the vertebral column of a patient as the vertebral column is twisted.

More particularly, the support means comprises a first pad for supporting the upper trunk region, a second pad for supporting the lower trunk region, and a third pad for supporting the lower limbs of the patient. The first and second pads are pivotally mounted for oscillation about a common pivot axis extending generally parallel to the vertebral column of the patient. A drive means is connected to oscillate the first and second pads synchronously and in opposite directions about the pivot axis so that the vertebral column of the patient lying on the pads will be twisted first in one direction and then the other.

The tensioning means comprises a harness attached at the foot end of the support means for securing the feet of the patient, and a harness at the head end of the support means for securing the head of the patient, and means for moving the two harness means apart to apply tension to the vertebral column of the patient. More particularly, the means for moving the harness means apart comprises an upstanding arm pivotally connected to the support means for oscillatory movement longitudinally of the patient. One of the harness means is attached to the upper end of the arm and a drive means is connected to oscillate the arm so that the spinal column of the patient may be atlernately tensed and relaxed while it is being twisted.

The novel features believed characteristic of this invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description and an illustrative embodiment, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of an osteopathic table constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the mechanism of the table illustrated in FIGURE 1 for twisting the vertebral'column of the patient;

FIGURE 3 is an exploded side view showing the mounting of an oscillating pad;

FIGURE 4 is an end view of the drive motor gearbox and mechanism for producing oscillatory motion in the mechanism of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the means for securing the feet of the patient on the table of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the mechanism of the table illustrated in FIGURE 1 for tensing the vertebral column of the patient.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to the side view of FIGURE 1, an osteopathic table constructed in accordance with this invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The osteopathic table'has a support frame comprised of four legs'l2 which are interconnected by four side braces 14 and which support a rectangular frame 16. The frame 16 supports a top panel 20 and side panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 which protect the patient from the operative mechanism of the table and provide a more atttractive appearance. Panel 28 facing the reader has been broken away in FIGURE 1 to reveal the operating mechanisms of the table.

The patient to be treated lies down on spaced resilient pads 30, 32 and 34. Resilient pad 30 supports the shoulder and upper trunk (thoracic) region of the patient, resilient pad 32 supports the lower trunk (lumbosacral) region of the patient, and resilient pad 34 supports the lower limbs of the patient. Pads 30, 32 and 34 are mounted on supporting platforms 36, 38 and 40, respectively. Support platform 40 is fixed to the frame 16 and is stationary. Pad 30 is mounted on platform 36 so that the pad can be adjusted longitudinally of the table to accommodate patients of different height. As best seen in FIGURE '2, support platform 36 is a generally fiat, rectangular plate having two longitudinally extending slits 41 and 42 disposed on either side of the platform. Resilient pad 30 is secured to support platform 36 by a pair of bolts 52 which project from the resilient pad through the longitudinal slits 41 and 42 of platform 36. Pad 32 is similarly mounted on platform 38 for adjustment longitudinally of the table.

Support platforms 36 and 38 are mounted to oscillate about a common pivot axis 39 that extends generally parallel to the vertebral column of the patient. For example, platform 36 is mounted on a hinge formed by members 46 and 48 which depend from the platform 36 and are pivotally connected to upstanding supports 54 and 56 on a plate 58 by hinge pins 59 and 60. Plate 58 is mounted on top panel 20. Platform 38 is similarly mounted.

The two spaced support platforms 36 and 38, and therefore pads 30 and 32, are oscillated synchronously in opposite directions about the common pivot axis 39 by the drive means illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 4. A shaft 68 is journaled in bearings 72 and 74, which are secured to frame 16. An arm 90 is secured on shaft 68, and an adjustable length connecting rod 70 pivotally inter-connects arm 90 and the end of an arm 62 (see FIGURE 4) mounted on the shaft 64 of a gearbox of a motor 66. A

pair of oppositely extending arms 76 and 78 are mounted on shaft 68 and are connected to arms 44 and 45, which depend from platforms 36 and 38, by connecting rods 80 and 82.

As the motor 66 rotates arm 62, crankshaft 68 is oscillated. This alternatingly pushes and pulls oppositely extending arms 76 and 78 and thereby oscillates platforms 36 and 38 synchronously in opposite directions.

The drive means may be adjusted to vary the oscillatory travel of both pads and 32 by connecting rod 70 to arm 90 at various positions by pin 89. The travel of the pads 30 and 32 may be independently adjusted by changing the position at which rods 80 and 82 are connected to arms 76 and 78. The length of connecting rod 70 may be varied by the positions of nuts 86 and 88 on threaded rod 84 to properly align the pads 30 and 32.

The feet of the patient are held in fixed position by a foot harness 114 (see FIGURE 5) which is mounted on the crossbar 118 of an upright bracket 116. The bracket 116 has a horizontally extending portion 119 which is slidably received in a sleeve 117 aflixed to the frame 16, and is secured in position by a pin passing through the sleeve and one of several spaced holes in the horizontal portion.

The head of the patient is held in a harness 92 which is connected by spring 96 to one end of a lever 94. Lever 94 is fulcrumed on a pin 105 passed through one set of several holes in an upright bracket 104 and one hole of several spaced along the middle of lever 94. The bracket 104 has a horizontal bifurcated portion 110 which is slidably received in a sleeve 112 afiixed to frame 16 and secured in place by a pin extending through the sleeve and one of several sets of holes in the bifurcated portion 110. The other end of lever 94 is connected to arm 98 by connecting rod 100. Arm 98 is attached to one end of shaft 101 of motor 102. Thus, as the motor rotates, the t lever 94 is oscillated about pin 105 to periodically tense and relax the vertebral column of the patient.

The degree of tension exerted by the tensing mechanism may be adjusted by changing the length of travel of the upper end of lever 94. This is accomplished by inserting the pin 105 in a pair of holes 107 further down the bifurcated arm 108 of bracket 104 and a hole 106 further down lever 94. Increasing the travel of the upper end of lever 94 puts greater tension on the spring 96. Springs having different degrees of elasticity may also be used to exert the degree of tension desired on the vertebral column of the patient. The tensing mechanism is 4 also adjustable to accommodate patients of different heights by changing the positions of brackets 116 and 104 relative to the sleeves, as shown in the dotted outline in FIGURE 1, by sliding the horizontal portions 119 and 110 in sleeves 117 and 112.

Operation The patient to be treated reclines on pads 30, 32 and 34. Pads 30 and 32 can be adjusted longitudinally of the table by loosening wing nuts 50 to accommodate patients of different heights. Brackets 104 and 116 are adjusted so that when the arm 94 is pivoted inwardlyand the harnesses 92 and 114 connected to the head and feet, respectively, of the patient, the patient is not placed under significant traction. Then the motor 102 is energized so that as the top of the arm 94 pivots outwardly, the vertebral column of the patient is placed under tension. The motor may be either stopped where desired so that the patients vertebral column will be maintained under tension, or may be continuously operated so that the vertebral column is alternately tensed and relaxed. When motor 66 is started, pads 30 and 32 are oscillated in opposite directions about pivot axis 39. As a result, the patients vertebral column is twisted first in one direction and then the other. It has been found that this combined treatment is very beneficial when administered under the prescription and care of an Osteopath.

Auxiliary to the embodiment of the invention, as described, may be added such features as means to vibrate the table and heating elements in the resilient pads mounted on the supporting platforms.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it is to be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an osteopathic table for twisting the vertebral column of a patient while the vertebral column is under tension, the combination of:

(a) support means for supporting a patient in a reclining position and twisting the vertebral column of the patient first in one direction and then the other, said support means comprising (i) a first pad means for supporting the upper trunk regions of a patient, said first pad means being pivotally mounted for oscillation about a pivot axis extending generally parallel to the vertebral column of a patient supported by the support means,

(ii) a second pad means for supporting the lower trunk regions of a patient, said second pad means being spaced from the first pad means and being pivotally mounted for oscillation about the pivot axis extending generally parallel to the vertebral column of a patient supported by the support means, and

(iii) drive means connected to oscillate the first and second pad means synchronously and in opposite directions about the pivot axis whereby the veretebral column of a patient lying on the pad means will be twisted first in one direction and then the other, and

(b) tensioning means connected to the support means for applying tension to the vertebral column of a patient as the vertebral column is twisted.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the drive means comprises:

(a) a shaft journaled on the support means and extending generally parallel to the vertebral column of a patient supported by the support means,

( b) first and second crank arms extending from the shaft,

(c) a first connecting rod pivotally interconnecting the first crank arm and the first pad means at a point spaced from said pivot axis,

(d) a second connecting rod pivotally interconnecting the second crank arm and the second pad means at a point spaced from said pivot axis, the first and second connecting rods being connected to the first and second crank arms and to the first and second pad means such as to cause the first and second pad means to pivot about said pivot axis synchronously and in opposite directions when the shaft is oscillated, and

(e) powered means connected to the shaft for oscillating the shaft.

3. An osteopathic table for twisting the vertebral column of a patient while the vertebral column is under tension, comprising:

support means for supporting a patient and twisting the vertebral column of the patient first in one direction and then in the other comprising first, second and third support pad means, the first and second pad means being pivotally mounted for oscillation about a common pivot axis extending generally parallel to the vertebral column of a patient supported by the support means, drive means connected to oscillate the first and second pad means synchronously and in opposite directions about the pivot axis comprising a shaft journaled on the support means and extending generally parallel to the vertebral column of a patient supported by the support means, first and second crank arms extending from the shaft, 21 first connecting rod pivotally interconnecting the first crank arm and the first pad means at a point spaced from said pivot axis, a second connecting rod pivotally interconnecting the second crank arm and the second pad means at a point spaced from said pivot axis, the first and second connecting rods being connected to the first and second pad means and to the first and second crank arms such as to cause the first and second pad means to pivot about said pivot axis synchronously and in opposite directions, and powered means connected to the shaft for oscillating the shaft, and

tensioning means connected to the support means for applying tension to the vertebral column of a patient as the vertebral column is twisted comprising first harness means connected to one end of the support means for connection to the head of the patient, second harness means connected to the other end of the support means for connection to the feet of the patient, and means for moving the first and second harness means apart to apply tension to the vertebral column of the patient.

4. The osteopathic table defined in claim 3 wherein the means for moving the first and second harness means apart is further characterized in that the first and second harness means are periodically moved apart and back together to periodically tension and relax the vertebral column of the patient.

5. The osteopathic table defined in claim 3 wherein the means for moving the first and second harness means apart comprises an upstanding arm pivotally connected to the support means for oscillatory movement longitudinally of the patient and drive means connected to oscillate the upstanding arm longitudinally of the patient.

6. In an osteopathic table for twisting the vertebral column of a patient, the combination of:

(a) first support means for supporting the upper trunk regions of a patient, said first support means being pivotally mounted for oscillation about a pivot axis extending generally parallel to the vertebral column.

of a patient supported by said means for supporting and twisting the vertebral column,

(b) second support means for supporting the lower trunk regions of a patient, said second support means being spaced from the first support means and pivotally mounted for oscillation about the pivot axis extending generally parallel to the vertebral column of a patient supported by said means for supporting and twisting the vertebral column,

(0) third support means for supporting the lower limbs of the patient, and

(d) drive means connected to oscillate the first support means and the second support means synchronously in opposite directions about the pivot axis.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS LAWRENCE W. TRAPP, Primary Examiner. 

